New academic research conducted across Telford shows that the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) is having a positive impact on crime reduction across the area.
The academic piece, entitled ‘An evaluation of the Licensing SAVI initiative, conducted in Telford’, was compiled by Professor Stuart Kirby and Dr Rebecca Phythian in September 2024. The outcomes show that the majority of Licensing SAVI users have found the assessment to be a constructive experience for their licensed premises, with many reporting a positive impact on the feeling of safety at their venue. This is supported by reductions in crime figures since the implementation of the scheme.
About Licensing SAVI
Licensing SAVI is an on-line self-assessment for licensees, and covers topics including responsible drinking, drugs misuse, preventing violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers, through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security in venues. Most measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.
Licensing SAVI provides consistent standards, guidance and advice that licensed premises in Wales and England need to meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Public Nuisance; Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Protection of Children from Harm; and Public Safety. Licensing SAVI also includes a guidance section on counter terrorism.
The assessment was developed following a request by the Home Office to Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), which works alongside the Police Service to deter and reduce crime. As well as providing safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers, and local communities, it also seeks to reduce demand on Police Forces, NHS Ambulance Services and Accident and Emergency Departments.
Improving Standards and Practices
A comprehensive analysis of 53 venues revealed that 21 experienced an increase in their star ratings from the initial to the final submission, by implementing advice provided to them. This improvement suggests that the Licensing SAVI initiative is actively supporting licensees to enhance working practices within their premises. The positive change in scores is a testament to the ongoing commitment to raising standards and creating a safer and more secure environment for all.
A significant majority of survey participants (74%) affirmed that the effort and resources invested in completing the Licensing SAVI assessment were justified by the benefits it delivered. Additionally, participants universally agreed that the necessary resources were provided, with 95% rating these resources as high-quality. This feedback highlights not only the effectiveness of the assessment but also the ongoing support.
One participant remarked, "I feel Licensing SAVI is very beneficial to public houses," while another noted, "It has benefited our establishment and we feel we are providing a safe environment for the public." These testimonials reflect the positive impact Licensing SAVI has on individual establishments and their communities.
The initiative has also had a significant impact on perceptions of safety. An impressive 68% of survey respondents expressed increased confidence in the safety of staff, and 74% felt more assured about the safety of patrons. Such confidence is crucial in fostering an environment where both employees and patrons feel secure and valued.
Amitabh Singh, Licensing and Night Time Manager at Telford and Wrekin Council, explained: “This is the second year that Telford and Wrekin Council, in partnership with Licensing SAVI, has successfully implemented the accreditation scheme across the borough. Over 70 venues have now received Licensing SAVI accreditation, marking a significant achievement in promoting safety and best practices throughout the nighttime economy.
“Findings over the past 12 months have demonstrated the scheme’s success, with a 17.9% reduction in incidents. Both staff and patrons report feeling safer in licensed venues helping create a safer and vibrant environment.
“The Licensing SAVI accreditation scheme in Telford and Wrekin highlights the effectiveness of coordinated best practices, setting a strong case for other venues to join. By offering the opportunity to become accredited, Telford and Wrekin Council continues to build a safer, thriving nighttime economy that benefits the entire community.”
Superintendent Edward Hancox, West Mercia Police, added: “We’re really encouraged by the increasing number of premises across Telford that have signed up to Licensing SAVI, and that licensed premises have responded so positively.
“Our licensing officers have worked closely with premises and local authority colleagues to promote the award, which is already well embedded at venues in Telford. This is one of a number of tactics that we use to increase and reduce offences in the nighttime economy, and this research shows that it is having a positive impact.
“Licensing SAVI is brilliant initiative that is helping everyone to feel and be safer on a night out, and we will continue to work with partners and premises to help us achieve this.”
Notable Reductions in Crime and Incidents
Perhaps most compelling is the evidence of Licensing SAVI's impact on crime and safety. Comparing crime data from the 12 months before and after implementing Licensing SAVI, there was a reduction in reported crimes. Notably, there was a 24% decrease in violence with injury offences and a 17.9% reduction in reported incidents on premises. Reductions in concern for safety and domestic incidents at venues were also recorded. These statistics underscore Licensing SAVI’s capability to significantly mitigate risks and enhance safety in licensed venues.
In conclusion, the survey found that evidence from the literature review and stakeholder interviews showed that licensed premises operate in a volatile and difficult environment. Whilst crime and disorder can be associated with many variables, the management of licensed premises is a critical element in reducing this risk. Licensing SAVI serves as a way for license holders to improve the management of their premises and mitigate this risk for both patrons and staff.
The analysis of the gathered data suggests that the most severe offences taking place within the surveyed premises are being reduced, whilst general concerns and disputes are being managed more effectively.
For community safety initiatives to succeed, they must be founded on solid, actionable ideas and be implemented effectively. Licensing SAVI exemplifies both these aspects, making a compelling case for its adoption across the country. One survey participant expressed that Licensing SAVI “could be rolled out in all areas of the country - pubs and clubs could be even safer places to drink and get home safely from.”
Mark Morgan, Licensing SAVI, commented: “I’m delighted with the academic findings which show that the Licensing SAVI initiative is well constructed and supportive to those working in the licensing industry, and an excellent tool to help them make their venues safer. The user feedback is particularly pleasing.
“As a former policing lead with responsibility for large geographical areas, and having personally so many times been on the wrong end of seeing the adverse impact of violence linked to socialising, the findings, in particular of reductions in violence, are really positive.
“We are absolutely committed to improving safety and security at licensed premises and will move forward in the knowledge that users like the initiative, which more importantly is now showing evidence of creating safer places.”
Guy Ferguson, Police CPI, added: “We at Police Crime Prevention Initiatives are very encouraged by the findings of the study which demonstrate statistical reduction attributed to crime and demand and also the quality aspect of positive feedback from Licensing SAVI users. We are all aware of the demand upon policing and partners which can often be attributed to licensed premises, particularly those operating in challenging environments. As a former Police Area Commander, I would welcome a 24% reduction in violence with injury offences and almost 18% reduction in reported incidents and encourage policing, partners, and the hospitality industry to embrace this supportive initiative.”
The first police award of its kind, Licensing SAVI supports the licensing trade and is backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Project Servator, a police-led vigilance scheme to deter terrorist attacks at crowded-places.
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Web: https://licensingsavi.com
About Police CPI
Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI) is a police-owned, not-for-profit organisation which delivers a wide range of innovative and ground-breaking crime prevention and demand reduction initiatives to support the UK Police Service, Government and the public. Senior police officers control and direct the work Police CPI carries out on behalf of the Police Service.
Visit: https://www.policecpi.com